Anti-inflammatory activity of BCM-95 (bio-enhanced formulation of turmeric with increased bioavailabilty) compared to Curcumin in Wistar rats

Objective: To evaluate anti-inflammatory activity of bioenhanced turmeric formulation (BCM-95) compared to commercial Curcumin formulation (Curcuminoids 95%) in Carrageenan-induced acute inflammatory model. Materials and Methods: Thirty six Wistar rats were divided into six groups-Normal control (2 ml of vehicle), Standard control (Indomethacin 10 mg/kg), 2 doses of BCM 95 (10 and 20 mg/kg) and Curcuminoids 95% (10 and 20 mg/kg). Paw volume was measured using a digital plethysmometer. Vehicle or test drugs were given to rats 30 min before carrageenan administration. Baseline paw volume reading (V0) was noted just prior to administration of 0.1 ml of 1% carrageenan to right hind paw of the rat. Test paw volume readings (Vt) were measured at 30, 60, 120, 180, 240, 300 and 360 min, after carrageenan injection. Oedema expressed as increased paw volume (vt-v0) was noted and percentage inhibition of oedema was calculated for all treatment groups. Statistical analysis: Difference between groups were analyzed with ANOVA followed by Tukey test. Results: All treatment groups demonstrated significant (p<0.05) anti-inflammatory activity (oedema suppression) compared to normal control. Anti-inflammatory activity of BCM 95 treated groups were comparable to standard control group except at certain time points, whereas the same activity at all-time points with Curcuminoid 95% treated groups were significantly less than standard control group. Percentage inhibition of paw oedema was maximum with standard control group followed by BCM 95 treated groups followed by Curcuminoid 95% treated groups. Conclusion: BCM 95 treated groups showed significant anti-inflammatory activity compared to Curcuminoid 95% treated groups.